Company Vision and Mission Statement:
Our Vision:
We will:
Identify the most appropriate learning pathway for those wanting to enter the Hair and Beauty Industry.
Achieve the highest learner success rate of achievements within the Industry.
Promote positive progression through a variety of strong Partnership links.
Support international partners to promote British Values through exchange programmes.
Keep our learners and staff safe and commit to our Prevent Duty; pursuing those who do not
respect our Fundamental British Values and put our society at risk through acts of terror
Continuously improve Standards of Attainment, Service and Quality of Training.
Increase the number of Employers involved in training in South Yorkshire
Our Mission:
We aim to:
Provide a world class quality of service, training and support
Promote the importance of a safe and healthy environment for all
Offer outstanding opportunities for all
Meet the training and skills needs required from the hair and beauty Industry employers of South Yorkshire
Oracle’s Employer Charter:
We will Work together to support and be supported by the Employers, promoting life long learning for all, making ‘the learning experience’ an enjoyable one. Oracle Training Consultants will dedicate time and expertise to support the employer base and ensure 100% commitment to the training and development of the industries future workforce.

Oracle Training first opened it’s doors in Doncaster’s market place in 1999; with just four staff and 18 learners. Originally the vision of our two Directors; Sally Marsh and Diane Logan who wanted to create a training organisation that was as passionate about it’s young people’s success as it was about training. The Company has gone from strength to strength and now has over 200 learners training in two state of the art training centres, and 25 staff who’s job it is to offer the highest level of service to all Oracle’s internal and external customers.

History to Date

Inspiring and motivating young people is a difficult job, but someone’s got to do it! Here at Oracle we work with locally based Employers who can see the potential of our learners and are willing to offer them the opportunity to work while they develop their chosen pathway.
The learner’s journey is not an easy one at the best of times and we try to make the transition as smooth as possible; offering the support and guidance for each learner to help them enjoy their training and achieve their full potential.

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Ofsted Regulated
Oracle is government funded through the SFA and match funded by ESF for our post 16 provision. As a funded organisation we are quality assured through the Common Inspection Framework by Ofsted.
to read our most recent Ofsted report.

Programmes available at Oracle:
Apprenticeship programmes:
Any Hair/Barber learners starting a Level 2 apprenticeship from 1st May 2017 will be working towards the new Hair professional standards – the course is averaged at 24 months. Once you start, you work towards a set of milestones that will lead to a gateway, which is similar to a ‘Mock Exam’. Once you have completed the gateway Oracle, your employer come together, with you, to make the decision on the timing of the end-point assessment. The end-point assessment will supply a ‘snap-shot’ holistic assessment of your practical skills – similar to an industry trade test. The end-test is independently assessed through end-point assessment organisation (Oracle recommends VTCT). The new Hair Professional standards are very different, compared to the past framework, as they include some aspects of level 3 work.
Apprenticeship frameworks are currently still available for Beauty related skills and level 3 programmes.
All Apprentices are employed by a local salon and attend Oracle for 20% of their programme, once a week, for their ‘off the job’ training.
Click here to search for apprenticeship vacancies:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship or apply directly to our recruitment team on 01302 813900.
Traineeship programmes:
Our Traineeship includes a 2 day salon placement 1 day Oracle training for a maximum of 25 weeks, Bursary’s are available but subject to availability.
The Traineeship programme enables you to become work ready through gaining the skills to help you become an apprenticeship. These skills include Blow-drying, Health and Safety awareness, employability and customer service, communication and interpersonal skills. This programme also gives you the time you need to decide if this is the career for you.
During the programme your progress will be reviewed every six weeks. We will discuss with the salon whether you have progressed enough to move onto an apprenticeship programme.

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Study Programme:
Available in beauty and Hair. You will attend Oracle two days per week and work towards a level 2 hairdressing or beauty qualification. You will also be placed in a Salon for at least one day per week to gain valuable skills and a possible opportunity to gain entrance into an Advanced Apprenticeship programme at the end. Study programmes are in collaboration with our partners Morthyng and Delta Academy.
Advanced Learner Loans:
Advanced learner loan programmes are available for anyone wanting to gain a level 3 qualification in hairdressing and beauty related subjects. You must be 19 or over to apply and Oracle has a range of programmes available including Hairdressing, Barbering, Body Therapy, Nail Services and Assessors training.
Functional Skills:
Functional skills Maths and English are an integral part of all our programmes.
To apply:
For more information on any of our programmes or to apply please contact recruitment on 01302 813900

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To apply for our Traineeship or Study Programme, please click here (this link would open the application form that would then be emailed to enquiries@oracle-uk.com
For more general information about Traineeships
School programmes:
Oracle work with a number of schools in South Yorkshire offering a variety of school
programmes including vocational NVQs, Certificates and Awards. If you are under 16
and are interested in a vocational pathway while still at school please speak to your
curriculum coordinator in school to find out more.
For more information on the programmes we offer
Private courses:
Private courses are available for those wanting to re-train. Training programmes include all aspects of the hair and beauty industry and are subject to availability. Assessor training programmes are also available and prices on request from diane.logan@oracle-uk.com
If you are aged 24+ you can apply for a government advanced learning loan. To find out more.

Learner Testermonies

Level 3 Apprentice
“My name is Larissa I am 19 years of age. I have been coming to Oracle since school. I love working in the salon, I work there 5 days a week. I get a lot more help at Oracle with one to ones than I ever did at school.”
Level 3 Hair Apprentice
“I hated school, it was not for me, coming to Oracle made me grow up and see things in a different light. They treat you like adults not children.”
Level 2 Hair Apprentice
"Oracle has helped me so much they have given me so much support in the last three months and I have come a long way. They help a lot more than staying at school because you get all the extra help and you have one to one sessions."

Oracle Training Consultants Limited
Policy Document for sub contracting
Supply Chain Policy.
Introduction.
Oracle Training Consultants Limited had been approached during 2012 by a provider who had previously been a sub contractor for Apprenticeship under a prime contractor who was about to be absorbed into the local FE college due to minimum contract value issues. The sub company had felt they did not want to move under the FE College and had previously worked well with Oracle on several school programmes.
Oracle looked at the business rationale for taking on a sub-contractor and created this document as a policy document to look at long term impact and effectiveness of the service delivery for the end user.
Strategy for engagement of subcontract provision:
By engaging with subcontractors, Oracle will:
Strengthen capacity building
Ensure revenue margins are met and protected
Ensure cost effectiveness
Engage with new markets and sectors
Maintain and develop their own niche market
Prior to taking on a sub contractor, Oracle management must:
Consider the business rationale for sub-contracting, discussing this rationale with the potential sub-contractor at the time of commissioning.
Ensure the potential sub-contractor is assessed against established and transparent selection criteria, which in effect, mirror the requirements of Oracle by the Skills Funding Agency.
Assess the potential sub-contractor to ensure that they meet the required quality standard, and support them in developing operational processes and policies to the highest standard.
Celebrate and share examples of good practice from sub contractors throughout the company.
Establish a contract that clearly identifies the terms of the sub-contracting arrangements, reflecting the Skills Funding Agency contract.
Have clearly defined management fees agreed
Work to build a strong working partnership that is supportive and transparent.
Introduce effective quarterly reviews which are supported by development actions that build capacity and allow the sub-contractor to offer the best possible service to the learners.
Contract management:
Contracts will be issued in line with the Skills Funding Agency and on confirmation the sub contractor, if delivering funds of over £100,000, place on the register of training organisations.
Quarterly reviews will determine management fees, relating to the risk banding and level of support offered to the sub contractor by Oracle.
Risk Banding:
25% - High Risk
20% - Medium Risk
15% - Low Risk
These will be re assessed annually and agreed with the subcontractor on agreeing the year’s profile.

Here at Oracle we work hard to help local charities and other voluntary organisations throughout the UK.
Over the years we have built up effective and lasting relationships with people and organisations from the hair and beauty industry so that together we can lend a helping hand and allow the thousands of small charities to reach their full potential; whether it be services that tackle those rare diseases, combat those difficult social issues or address those neglected causes.
Oracle really does help to make a difference, from sponsored parachute jumps, bake off coffee mornings to sponsored assault courses; we have even been seen on a mad one hour shopping trolley dash for toys in a local toy shop; all in aid of local children who don’t usually experience a great Christmas!
Not only does this work help the charities, it also gives the opportunity for our learners to give their time back and to meet other young people, who may not be as fortunate. Experiencing these activities help them grow as human beings and show how they can benefit the local community.
Oracle will continue to organise and take part in a variety of fundraising events throughout the year so in advance we would like to say a big thank you for all your support, you help make a difference!!!!!

Every year Oracle has hosted exchange training programmes from all over the world. So far we have worked in partnership with schools in Belgium, Malta, Italy and Japan, providing bespoke programmes for as little as two week up to a one year training programme. These lifelong training programme are in association with Habia UK, Habia Italy, Habia Japan, Habia Malta and the Leonardo/Erasmus+ projects.
These projects aim to support international students in training activities within the UK hairdressing sector. Oracle Training provides a range of knowledge and skills covering the NVQ qualification, to enable the students to gain personal development, employability and participation in the European Labour Market. The students also complete an English speaking component. During their visit the students experience external hair shows, competition events, guest speakers and demonstrations by industry leaders. They have been known to take part in professional photo shoots and all experienced salon placements within the Doncaster and Rotherham area, working alongside Oracle’s UK Apprenticeship learners.
Diane Logan Director of Oracle Training Consultants Ltd commented ‘ It has been great to see both the UK and International students working together, local employers within the Doncaster and Rotherham area have also supported the exchange programme, allowing the international students to have first hand experience within their busy salons. The whole experience for Oracle’s UK Apprentices as been of great value; it has allowed them to be stretched and challenged, gain valuable employability skills, develop their functional skills, work first hand with different cultures, develop peer mentoring skills and finally they have been given the task to reflect and self evaluate their performance throughout the whole programme.
Recently Sally Marsh Strategic Director Oracle Training Consultants Ltd met Lauren Hunsley father who said, “Lauren went on a two weeks exchange to Malta in 2009, she said it was the best experience she had ever had, and she even ended up on Malta TV at an awards show! She came back really motivated and confident” So even five years later the exchange programmes have had positive and worthwhile effect on Oracle’s young people.

International Exchange

We believe in the importance of integrating both 'on and off the job’ Training.
At Oracle Training Consultants we truly believe that in order for our programmes to be as successful as possible, we need to work closely with our employers to achieve optimum results.
We are constantly evaluating and upgrading our programmes and look to both Learners and Salons for feedback and constructive criticism so that we can maintain quality and continually improve our provision.
If you have a vacancy within your workplace and would like to employ an apprentice, please contact our recruitment team on 01302 813900. We will support your recruitment process by advertising your vacancy and selecting applicants for you to interview.
Government grants are available for SME businesses employing an apprentice.

Are you a parent or guardian of a child that is considering a career in the Hair and Beauty Industry? Do you have questions about whether this is the right choice for them?
Here are some frequently asked questions that you may find helpful. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ring our main centre on 01302 813900 and speak to one of our recruitment team who will be more than happy to help.
My son/daughter is interested in a career in the hair and beauty industry. Is this a good carer option for them?
The hair and beauty industry is a multi billion pound industry with many different career pathways. Being a predominantly ‘customer service’ industry it is essential that your son/daughter like people! To work in the industry you need to have a real passion and interest in it; many jobs available will include long hours and weekend work and they will have to work hard to gain recognition but it is worth it. Being part of a continual creativity network of people and having the opportunity to work in vast amounts of career pathways means that it truly is an inspiring industry to work in.
Can you give me some examples of the career pathways?
Salon work is one of the first jobs many hairdressers/beauty therapists work in. Many continue to work in salons throughout their career, continually updating their skills and knowledge and adapting their techniques to keep at the cutting edge of industry trends, many eventually progress into being Salon owners. Other parts of the industry include working in health spas or cruise ships, working for product companies, retailing, and working in theatre or TV. Some progress onto higher education to further their skills in management, teaching or to follow a career in product development or physical therapy. The list is endless and development of good customer service skills will mean that your son/daughter will have essential skills that can easily transfer into any industry.
What is the down side of wanting a career in the hair and beauty industry?
This industry is very competitive. Although there is a high number of job opportunities, there is also a high number of individuals wanting those opportunities. Your son/daughter will need to be motivated and inspired and really want to progress. The hours are long, the initial pay is not great and working with the general public is extremely tiring.
What is the upside of wanting a career in the hair and beauty sector?
Being part of an every changing, ever evolving industry is very exciting. Learning new techniques, meeting people from all different backgrounds, working as part of a team are all motivating and inspiring. Progression is constant and you will never need to be bored!
Who are Oracle Training Consultants?
Established in 1999, Oracle is a work-based training provider specialising in programmes for the hair and beauty sector. We are one of South Yorkshire’s largest specialist providers and have training centres in both Doncaster and Rotherham town centres. We work directly with over 150 employers in the South Yorkshire area.
What is the difference between work-based and school or college?
A work based provider works closely with employers to provider a true vocational ‘work based’ pathway. The majority of our learners are Apprenticeship or Traineeship learners which mean they are all either in employment, as an apprentice or have a placement within a salon, as a trainee. All our programmes involve work or work placement with a local salon to support the learner in developing the skills they need for employment. Some college do offer Apprenticeships but many other programmes are more work related which means they are predominately class room based.
What is the difference between an Apprenticeship framework and Apprenticeship standards
The new Apprenticeship standards were introduced in May 2017 and are to eventually replace the old frameworks. The new standards have been set by industry and include a final end point assessment to help grade learner’s competence at the end of their programme. All apprentices attend Oracle for their ‘20% off the job’ training one day a week and work in a salon for the rest of the week.
What is the current salary for an Apprentice?
For the current Apprenticeship minimum wage please go to: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage
Most of our Apprenticeships will start on the national minimum wage but many of our employers increase their wage once they start to learn the skills required within the salon. Apprenticeship learners must work a minimum of 30 hours per week, which includes their training day (off the job). As an employee of the salon, they will be issued with a contract of employment in their first few weeks of work.
What safeguarding measures does Oracle have to help ensure the safety of my child?
Oracle has a safeguarding policy that is available from both centres. We work with young people from the age of 14 and the safety of everyone of our learners is of paramount importance to us. Measures are in place throughout the centres and include; security locks and key pad/buzzers on all external doors, a thorough induction process enables learners to understand the importance of keeping safe and who they need to contact if they need support. Oracle has a pastoral care officer who is on hand to support any learner needing help and Oracle operate a risk register to ensure all learners remain safe. All staff is DBS checked and risk assessments are carried out on all external visits. Oracle also carries out quarterly fire and terror drills to ensure all learners know what to do if an incident should arise.
What other activities will my child be involved in at Oracle?
At Oracle we are very much advocates of ‘valued added’ activities. All learners learn wider skills such as math and English and take part in activities to improve their knowledge of equality and diversity and British Values. We regularly have external visitors/experts come in to give workshops on product knowledge to personal health and wellbeing. All learners are encouraged and invited to go to exhibitions throughout the year and over the years learners have had the opportunity to travel abroad on Learner exchanges to experience wider career opportunities and to learner wider European skills.
What level of programmes do Oracle have?
Oracle run programmes from level one entry/taster programmes right up to advanced level 3 programmes.
How would my child apply?
Applications are received either through the website or by phone in the main centre and asking to speak to one of the recruitment team. (01302 813900)

Parents FAQ

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Oracle no longer sub contract provision
Oracle Training Consultants Limited
Sub contracting management banding explained.
Annex A – This document can be used in line with the sub contracting supply-chain policy to support risk banding of sub contractors on an annual basis. Other evidence will be needed to support and agree the new banding each year. This will include, if a banding rate increases; a quality improvement plan.
Contract management:
The subcontractor will need to complete and pass the annual due diligence in order to renew or receive a contract with Oracle. Any subcontract who is delivering education and training funded by the SFA worth £100,000 or more must be an approved provider on the Register of Training Organisation.
Risk Banding: Definition
25% - High Risk: A subcontract who is deemed to be high risk would either be a provider in their first year contracting under Oracle, ensuring the provider is working to the same high quality aspirations, or a provider who had failed to meet the requirement of the contract and is considered to be in breech of that contract and therefore, high risk.
Discussion with the provider will take place to look at any breech to determine a course of action is needed on both parts. If the breech identified is minor, Oracle will work closely with the provider to ensure improvements are made and sustained. This will result in a quality improvement plan that will be managed closely by Oracle. Additional staff training and support will be given, financial audits will become monthly and the quarterly performance reviews will also become monthly, until it is felt that improvements are sustained. To ensure sustained quality the high risk banding will stay in place for a minimum of 6 months before being re assessed on the outcomes of the improvement plan, if more support is needed the high risk status will stay in place.
NB: Being in major breech of the contract will result in Oracle removing all learners from the subcontract and terminating the contract with immediate effect, in line with the subcontract agreement.
20% - Medium Risk
A medium risk banding will be issued for the second and third year of subcontracting to ensure stability for the end uses and/or for providers who have failed to meet the target outcome for learners and/or received a grading of ‘needs improvement’ in any of the quarterly review reports issued by Oracle.
The support included in this banding is the quarterly review and management report, a bi annual financial audit and OTLA peer assessments three times a year. The provider can access any internal training supplied by Oracle and the contract manager will have access monthly to the SMT meeting and instant contact support with senior management on a daily basis, if required.

15% - Low Risk A low risk banding will be issued once a provider has achieved a full year of compliance in which the company has achieved outcome for learner targets, OTLA for all staff are maintained throughout the year as Grade 2 or above through Oracle’s standardised peer mentoring approach, both financial audits completed each year result in little or no actions which would impact funding and all completed paperwork returned to Oracle in a timely manner, completed correctly.
These will be re assessed annually and agreed with the subcontractor on agreeing the year’s profile.
Sally Marsh will be responsible for the quality assurance of each sub contractor with Nikki Parfitt contract managing.
Oracle Training Consultants Limited
Sub contracting contract values paid.
Summary of contract value split:
Engage Training and Development Ltd.